Queues of 7,000 lorries feared if firms fail to get ready for Brexit
MINISTERS have warned of major disruption if businesses fail to prepare for forthcoming Brexit changes.
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said only one in four firms are “fully ready” for the end of the transition period in December.
He said 43 per cent believe there will be an extension – even though the date is set in law.
Mr Gove yesterday set out the “reasonable worst case” the country faces unless businesses take action.
He told the Commons: “The consequences of a lack of business preparedness will be not just economic opportunities missed for those companies that don’t prepare, but potentially much wider disruption.”
Disruption
Mr Gove said the warnings were based on what could happen if preparations are not made and “our neighbours decline to be pragmatic” in trade talks.
Kent faces queues of up to 7,000 lorries if firms are not geared up for possible new border controls, it was said.
Up to 70 per cent of trucks could arrive at the border without the correct paperwork, according to a Government study.
Mr Gove said: “They’d therefore be turned back by the French border authorities, clogging the Dover to Calais crossing.”
This could lead to queues of “up to 7,000 HGVs in Kent”. He added: “These queues and associated disruption and delay would of course subside as unready businesses who had their goods turned back at the French border would not want to repeat the experience.
“But it is clearly far better that everyone is aware now of what is needed to prepare rather than to face additional disruption next year.”
Mr Gove said lorry drivers will need “Kent access permits” to enter the county that shows they have the correct documents to cross the Channel. The system will be enforced by the police backed by automatic number- plate recognition cameras to minimise disruption.
Mr Gove said the Government is “committed” to negotiating a new free trade agreement with the EU before the end of the year.
But he said “things will change” for businesses and individuals regardless of the outcome.
EU negotiator Michel Barnier was in London yesterday for informal discussions ahead of another round of talks next week.
But Downing Street said “time is running out” to reach a deal.
A spokesman said: “We do still believe that it is possible to get a deal but we need to make progress because time is obviously running out.”